Resumption of gas supply

The recent decision of the government regarding the withdrawal on the suspension of new gas connections and prioritization of gas connections is certainly a good move. The energy ministry was directed by the prime minister to undertake necessary action plans so that gas connections can be resumed. As per the decision, the industrial and power generation sectors will get the top priority in getting new gas connections. No doubt that this is a good news for the industrial growth and the economic development of our country as it was affected seriously after the decision of suspending new gas connections back in July, 2009. Although it raises a question about how the government is going to resume new gas connections when the country's gas sector is still facing huge supply crisis, still the decision has brought a glimpse of hope to the industries of our country. It is very important to maintain and continue the industrial growth of a country in order to ensure economic stability. Unlike others, our country's industrial growth is very much related with the availability of gas as it is a raw material for many industries and also a source of energy. That is why, after the suspension of new gas connections to the industries, the industrial growth had slowed down. Still a large number of new industries could not start their operation because they did not yet get the gas connection. Many existing industries are running below their capacity; industries from all the sectors like steel, ceramics, fabrics are getting affected. We know that implementation of the new decision will take substantial amount of time and money. But we hope that the government will give priority to this important issue as it is related to the country's economic development Shamim Ahmed Khan, Khandkar Tahsin Faruque, Raisa Toslim, Tahmina Ahmed East West University